I hope to keep a running record of how the courts are coping with remote hearings. Two cases reported today provide examples.

Telephone used in committal proceedings

The hearing of the application was conducted following imposition of self-isolation and social distancing measures by the government as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was accordingly not possible to hold the hearing in a public courtroom. Accordingly, I directed that the hearing take place by way of a recorded telephone conference in private, as this was necessary in order to secure the administration of justice: see Practice Direction 51Y.

One side by Skype, the other by phone

In Kavaarupo v Nursing And Midwifery Council [2020] EWHC 731 (Admin) Mr Justice Chamberlain heard an appeal against a Disciplinary hearing. The interesting thing here is that one side attended by Skype, the other by phone.

This appeal was heard in open court. In the light of HM Government advice as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Appellant and her counsel, Ms Briony Molyneux, attended by videolink using Skype for Business. The Respondent’s counsel, Ms Leeann Mohamed, attended by telephone. Both counsel were able to make full oral submissions in the usual way.